I am grateful to have been part of this event, which began at the Northbrook Court mall about 10 miles north of Chicago. Our Northbrook store’s ambassador, Marcy Caron, kicked off the 3-day with a morning stretch for 2,200 walkers at the opening ceremony.

In being there to see the opening ceremony, I was able to get a small taste of what the walkers would go through over the next 3 days. They trained for this event and looked forward to it for so long, and throughout the weekend they cheered, laughed, cried, shared, and celebrated together.

Beth, Liz, Marcy, Kristin, Suzanne, and Billie supporting the participants of the 3-Day Chicago at Northbrook Court.

Once the walk began, I went to a spin class at the Pilates Barre in Winnetka with the rest of the Northbrook lululemon team. To our surprise, when we were eating at Panera after class, the 3-day walkers were moving through Winnetka! In the brief moments I spoke with the walkers and encouraged them on their journey, I was touched by their stories, their memories, and their unforgettable t-shirts and memorabilia. It was so incredible to be a witness to their courage, commitment, love, and optimism.

What?! Travel?! Who does that these days? We don't have enough time, and we certainly don't have any money!

Actually, if you look on the average 18-39 year old's facebook profile, most of them consider traveling as one of their interests. We all know that tourism has decreased dramatically in the past couple of years. If most of us love to travel, why aren't we doing it?

I believe it's because we've stopped allowing travel to be a priority. Do you remember the last trip you took for pleasure? Didn't you feel magnificent? Exhilarated? Alive? Me too.

That's why ever since I was 18 years old, I've gone on two vacations each year. This isn't because I have more money or time off than you. I've simply made traveling part of my goals. By setting and working toward your goals, you actually get to take the future into your own hands. Brian Tracy says, "You become what you think about most of the time." If that's the case, truly start visualizing yourself on that vacation you've been dreaming about. How does the sun feel on your skin? What does the music sound like? How does that piña colada taste? On my travels, I've created memories, started new relationships, strengthened already existing relationships and learned about cultures other than my own. I may not stay in an oceanfront suite every time, but I still get what I'm looking for out of each trip. Traveling gives me a strong sense of overall wellbeing. It is what fills my soul.

The first step is choosing the place you want to visit next. Once you make a commitment, everything else will fall into place if you let it. Just go with it, and you're guaranteed to come home with tons of stories and memories you wouldn't have experienced if you had stayed home.

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." -Mark Twain